Why Homeowners Are Ditching Wood for Low-Maintenance Decking

Looking to replace an old, wooden deck? Or maybe you’ve got your sights set on custom deck design? You’re in luck.

The Smucker Exterior crews love building custom decks—especially when our homeowners opt for modern materials built to outperform traditional wooden decks.

So give this quick guide a read. You’ll learn why PA homeowners are ditching wood and opting for low-maintenance composites instead.

And why you should too if you’re considering deck replacement or custom backyard deck design.

‍

Wood vs. Composite Decking: What’s the Difference?

These days, decks are built from two primary materials: natural wood and composite beams.

Natural wood doesn’t need much explanation. It’s wood. (You know, from trees.) As a building material, wood has been the go-to for decking since the early 70s and 80s—an era when DIY culture and custom decks took American suburbia by storm.

While wood has its merits—namely, a natural beauty and warm aesthetic—building technologies have advanced in recent decades. As such, a new material has been slowly overtaking wooden decks.

The Invention of Composite Decking Materials

In the late 1980s, a man named Roger Wittenberg set out to replace high-maintenance wooden beams. By experimenting with combinations of sawdust and shredded plastic waste, he landed on a composite material he coined Rivenite. 

Rivenite was revolutionary. It required no staining or sealing. The beams were, however, still prone to fading, mold, and mildew growth due to their high wood content.

Fast-forward a handful of years to the early 90s, Mobile Chemical acquired the Rivenite formula and renamed the material Timbrex. Since then, composites have been perfected into the modern decking materials we use today.

Concession: Composite Decks Cost More—At Least Up Front

Before diving into the benefits of composite decking, let’s make one thing clear: composite decks cost more to install.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for composite decking in and around Lancaster, Chester, and Berks counties, Pennsylvania:

• Wood Decks: $23–$42 per sq ft
• Composite Decks: $30–$60 per sq ft

You’ll notice there’s an appreciable gap between the two—particularly if you’re building a large or multi-level deck. But don’t let these cost discrepancies fool you….

A composite deck is the way to save long-term. And over a 10- to 15-year period, composites are cheaper than wooden decks (plus, a lot less trouble).

Here’s why.

Composite Decks Last Twice as Long as Wood

Ask any of our composite decking contractors and they’ll tell you material longevity should be at the top of every homeowner’s mind—especially if they plan to stay in their home long-term.

Composite and wooden deck lifespans:

• Wooden decks—with proper care—can last 10–20 years
• Composite decking manufacturers offer 25- to 50-year warranties

This means a single composite deck can outlive two or even three wooden decks—making a composite deck cheaper than a wooden deck after only 10–15 years.

Reason enough to front the initial installation costs.

Composite Decks Are Ridiculously Low Maintenance

Not only are composite decks cheaper over time, they’re also easy to take care of.

Here’s what it takes to keep a composite deck in great shape for decades:

• A decent scrubbing once or twice a year

Now compare that to the maintenance needs (and costs) of wood. We think the winner between the two is apparent.

Wooden deck maintenance includes:

• Annual sweeping away of leaves, dirt, and pine needles
• Running a putty knife between boards to clear gunk that traps moisture
• Annual scrubbing (or optional low-pressure power washing)
• Yearly inspections to check fasteners, examine boards, and sand rough patches
• Restaining and resealing required every 1–3 years

• Periodically moving pots, grills, and rugs to prevent UV fading and trapped moisture

When it comes to maintenance requirements, composite beams are significantly easier—and cheaper—to take care of. This is due to their UV-, moisture-, and pest-resistant design…

Which amounts to fewer chores and ⅕ the maintenance costs of traditional wooden decks.

Which is Safer: Composite or Wooden Decks?

While no building material is perfect, composite decks are generally considered the safer option.

Here’s why:

• No Splinters: Composite materials do not splinter, crack, or split with age.
• Rot and Decay Resistance: Composites resist moisture, rot, and termites—preventing sudden structural soft spots or collapse.
• Hidden Fasteners: Hidden clips or fasteners eliminate the protruding screws that cause trips and cuts.
• Fire Resistance: Many modern composite boards offer specialized fire ratings and flame resistance far beyond untreated lumber.

While the above points do make composites safer on the whole, it should be noted that very dark composite beams can hold additional heat from the sun—and be potentially too hot for bare feet in the summer—and can become slippery in rain, frost, or snow.

Wondering if your current deck is safe? Read: How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Wooden Deck?

Composites Offer a Look for Every Home

Some folks love the look of natural wood. Fair enough.

If you’re one of them, and you’re willing to pay the additional costs and maintenance requirements of a wooden deck, find a grain you love and go for it. 

But if you’d rather have the more trouble-free, cheaper option long-term, here’s one more thing to love about composites…

Composite beams are manufactured to mimic wood grains, and major brands each offer 8–20+ color choices. So, no matter your aesthetics, it’s safe to say you’ll find a color that fits your home perfectly.

Ready to explore your custom deck design? Reach out for a free quote!

Reimagine Your Deck with the Rest of Your Home!

A deck replacement is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your functional living space, choose materials built to last, and create the at-home oasis you’re dreaming of.

To explore the amazing world of composite decks, reach out to one of our decking specialists today. They’re happy to meet you at your home, examine your current deck, and go over your available options. 

After your consultation—which is absolutely free and zero pressure—you’ll be provided with a detailed quote for your dream upgrades. So if you’ve been considering a new deck, let us know.

Because you don’t have to go without your dream deck any longer.

Get your free composite decking quote today!

Get Your Free Quote

Smucker Exteriors knows how important your home is. Our crews have been serving Pennsylvania homeowners with new windows, doors, roofs, siding, gutters, and custom deck installations for over 25 years. Your entire project is backed by our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and the assurance that comes from highly skilled crews and reputable products. If you’re in Chester, Berks, or Lancaster counties, reach out for your free quote today!